Should I still go to counselling?

[summerfox]

For just over half a year I've been going to several different counsellors and also an occupational therapist due to being badly depressed. I don't know if it's working at all and it sometimes gets frustrating because they keep on asking things like "what do you want to get out of this therapy?" And I thought the answer would be oblivious... Literally they have asked me about twenty times... Anyway, I've recently moved back to my mums (was living with dad) so I had to close my counselling sessions, but is it worth it to continue? Does counselling actually help?

[ladsin]

Id say so, keep looking until you find a program that works for you. A different doctor or a different medication may mean a world of difference. And what they probably are looking for when they ask you that is more detailed than what you are saying, for example if your problem is depression and they ask what you want out of the counseling you shouldn't just respond with, "not being depressed." Instead try and set goals for yourself. Like I want to spend 30 minutes a day being genuinely happy and appreciative about life. Then pick certain things that will help you towards that goal. One of the big things would be writing a diary entry every day about only the positive things and things you are happy about. At first it may be slow and clunky and even disingenuous at times, but the more you persevate on the positives the easier and more automatic it'll become.

[summerfox]

Yeah thanks :) since I'm changing doctors hopefully they actually put me on medication because all the other doctors said to try counselling first. But I definitely will try your suggestions if I continue with it.

[ladsin]

Yeah no worries! And according to studies the example I gave (journal of the positives) is actually equally as effective as medication on its own. Although of course the best results are with a mix of pharma and journal.

Make sure you see a psychiatrist as counsellors can't prescribe medication.

[slatyb]

A really good counselor helped me a lot but it can be hard to find a good one. I think finding a good counselor is like dating. Don't be afraid to dump them after the first session if you aren't feeling it. I was terribly depressed at 18 but didn't realize what was happening to me. Just knowing you are depressed is a start. Good luck.

[Cool-Relax]

Counseling helps if you're seeing the right therapist. When I was in college, I had a counselor who made me feel worse about myself. I would go home crying after my appointments. Then I started seeing another counselor who I really clicked with, and I made so much progress with her.

[ladsin]

Thats crappy

[BellePepper]

Well since you're still having the problem you still need to work on it.

[ASEXY]

Yes, it's worth to continue. It will only help if you really want to be helped.

[summerfox]

I do want to be helped but I just don't get how it helps.